Andres Correa and Cassandra Kerr, both of Lakeland, pleaded guilty on Mar. 26 to a series of armed robberies that took place in the Tampa area during August 2025, according to United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. Correa admitted guilt to four Hobbs Act robberies, four counts of brandishing a firearm during violent crimes, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and conspiracy. Kerr pleaded guilty to two Hobbs Act robberies, three counts of brandishing a firearm during violent crimes, and conspiracy. Sentencing dates have not yet been set for either defendant.
The case is significant due to the use of firearms and violence against victims at multiple businesses over several weeks. Each defendant faces up to life in federal prison if given the maximum penalty.
Court records show that on July 28, 2025, Correa and Kerr robbed a food truck on Sheldon Road in Tampa with Correa using a gun while Kerr acted as lookout. On August 5 they robbed a gas station where Correa pointed his weapon at one victim’s stomach until he received money; again Kerr was the lookout outside in her vehicle. Two days later they targeted a food mart where Correa held an employee at gunpoint until receiving cash from the register while Kerr waited outside.
On August 19, Correa robbed a smoke shop in Seffner by holding both an employee and customer at gunpoint before taking money from the register drawer handed over by the clerk. Law enforcement executed search warrants on August 26 at two residences linked to the suspects; inside one home agents found clothing matching surveillance footage descriptions, a firearm similar to that used in the crimes, a stomach holster for carrying weapons, and written directions for banks and smoke shops.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted this joint investigation with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration-related crime as well as targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Operation Take Back America seeks to protect communities from violent crime through combined law enforcement resources.
